Zack Anthony-Forde Hawkins

Zack Anthony‑Forde Hawkins is the incumbent Democratic member of the North Carolina House of Representatives for District 31, covering eastern Durham County. He is seeking re‑election in the November 3, 2026 general election for the same seat, which carries a two‑year term and has no term limits. To hold the office a candidate must be at least 21 years old, a qualified voter, and have resided in the district for one year prior to the election ². Representatives earn a salary of $13,951 per year plus a $104 per‑day per diem ².

Born May 8, 1979, Hawkins earned a Bachelor of Science in biology from Elizabeth City State University and a Master of Science in biology from North Carolina Central University ⁶⁷. He began his professional career as a science teacher in Durham Public Schools (2004‑2009) ⁷ and later worked as a research technician at the National Institute of Environmental Health Services ⁷. Hawkins transitioned to nonprofit development, serving as Director of Development for Student Affairs at East Carolina University (2013‑2017) and later at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (2017‑present) ⁷. He also held leadership roles with United Way of the Greater Triangle and as State Deputy Field Director for Organizing for America ⁷.

Hawkins entered elected office in 2018, winning 81 % of the vote for the District 31 House seat and assuming office on January 1, 2019 ⁶¹. He has been re‑elected in 2020, 2022, and 2024, most recently securing 43,291 votes (100 % of the ballot) in the 2024 general election ¹⁶. Within the General Assembly he has served on several key committees, including Appropriations, Appropriations‑Education, Energy and Public Utilities, Redistricting, and Transportation across multiple sessions ¹⁶. His legislative activity includes sponsoring bills on fair maps (HB 20, the Fair Maps Act) ⁴, driver’s‑license designations for autism (HB 21) ⁴, and the CROWN Act (HB 168) ⁴, among others.

Beyond the legislature, Hawkins has held prominent party positions: 1st Vice Chair of the North Carolina Democratic Party and President of the Young Democrats of North Carolina (2007‑2009) ⁷. He is a member of the Progressive House Caucus ⁶ and participates in community organizations such as 100 Black Men of America and the Genesis Home Development Committee ⁷. Hawkins lives in Durham with his wife Tracey and their three children ⁷¹⁴.

Sources